A TEENAGE boy (17) was allegedly raped by his teacher in Virginia, Free State.
Daily Sun has learned that the incident happened outside the school premises on Friday, 15 March. The boy had not been to school for some time.
When the school enquired about his unusual absence, the pupil claimed he had been sexually abused and harassed by a teacher.
Police spokesman, Captain Stephen Thakeng confirmed that a case of rape has been registered with the Virginia police. The family was referred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.
Thakeng said a 27-year-old teacher was arrested on Sunday, 10 April. He appeared in the Virginia Magistrates Court on Monday, 12 April, where he was granted R3 000 bail.
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The provincial Department of Education, together with the SGB, has launched an investigation into the matter.
Department spokesman, Howard Ndaba said: "We condemn all forms of sexual abuse of pupils in our schools. Schools are centres of learning where kids are brought up to be responsible adults and not subjected to any form of abuse and bullying.
"The teacher is on an SGB post. The department will leave no stone unturned to eradicate all forms of abuse in our schools. Protecting pupils is an important responsibility for all of us."
Ndaba said the department has asked the school's management to suspend the teacher with immediate effect.
"The pupil will receive psychosocial support and the school has arranged for academic catch-up as he has lost learning time," he said.
The National Association of School Governing bodies (NSGB) has called on the department to implement a programme on how teachers should behave towards pupils.
NSGB National Secretary, Matakanye Matakanye said the department should introduce continuous workshops for teachers to help draw a clear line between teachers and pupils.
"We learned that the teacher is 27 years old, which puts him in the same age group as the pupils. We want him to be severely punished," he said.
Members of the ANC Youth League and Sanco picketed outside the school building.
ANCYL chairman in the Lejweleputswa region, Mokgethi Setlhalefo said he was disappointed that the teacher is out on bail.
"We don't condone any form of sexual abuse in school. Academic institutions should be places of safety for children. Justice must be seen to be served," he said.
